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Charcot Joints

Charcot joints occur when the ability to sense deep pain is lost or diminished. As a result of the inability to sense pain, small fractures begin to develop in areas of stress such as the arch of the foot. The normal response to a fracture is swelling and increased blood flow (reflex vasodilatation) to the affected area of bone. The increase in blood flow tends to 'wash away' calcium from the fracture site, resulting in weakening of the bone as well as more fractures. In the event that the normal defensive device, pain, remains absent, a cycle of increasing fracture activity starts with progressive collapse of the supporting bone.

The description of Charcot joints dates back to be able to 1703 when neuropathic osteoarthropathy was first described by W. Musgrave. Charcot is credited regarding his work in 1868 for describing gait anomalies of patients with syphilis (tabes dorsalis). Jordan, in was the first to describe a relationship of diabetes to neuropathic arthropathy.

The most typical area of the foot to be effected by a Charcot joint is the middle arch.

Charcot joints can also develop at the rearfoot and ankle but are much less common.

The most common cause of Charcot joints of the foot is peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes mellitus.

The progress of a Charcot combined may be rapid and is dependent upon several variables. Any ability to perceive pain may lead to a more prompt diagnosis because of patient's concern regarding their abilities to complete an average day. Complete loss of deep pain sensation may delay early on diagnosis. Charcot joints are easily confused with osteoarthritis, which is treated much less aggressively than a Charcot joint.

1966 Eichenholz proposed a classification of Charcot joints which is broken down into three distinctive stages. Stage one, or the development stage, shows debris surrounding the joints on xray. Stage one can develop over a period of days to weeks which is radiographic change that occurs in response to unperceived trauma. Stage two is the coalescence stage. In stage two, the bone begins to heal with absorption of debris and healing of large fracture fragments. Stage three, often called the reconstruction or reconstitution stage, note a reduction in bone turn over and reformation of stable bone structure. Stage 0 was added in 1999 by Sella and Barrette to include patients who exhibit clinical symptoms of Charcot arthropathy but have yet to show radiographic changes.

The classification proposed by Brodsky in 1992 consists of the location of the Charcot joint and it is commonly used in clinical practice these days.

Type 5 - the Forefoot.

Charcot joints are often not diagnosed until they generate another problem that has an effect on a patients normal activities. These may be as simple as a great inability to fit into shoes, or as severe as an infected ulceration of the foot. By this stage, the Charcot deformity has in all likelihood progressed to a point where there is massive displacement of the bones and joints along with numerous displaced fractures.

Any condition that plays a role in the loss of sensation of the foot may be described as a cause for a Charcot joint.

The most common complicating factor of a Charcot joint of the foot is the prominence that evolves on the bottom of the foot, referred to as a 'rocker bottom' foot. Treatment plans occurs as the bones of the arch collapse. In an advanced rocker bottom foot, the inability to sense pain gets a complicating factor for the skin. As the bone places much more pressure on the skin, the skin begins to ulcerate and becomes afflicted.

X-rays would be the single most useful tool in diagnosing Charcot joints. Bone scans are helpful in the early phases of Charcot joints and are sensitive indicators of hyperemia (increased blood flow to the area of the fracture). Surface skin temperature is the most reliable indicator of the activity of the fractures. Most doctors do not keep the necessary equipment in order to measure skin temperature but merely measure with direct touch in order to sense the presence or lack of warmth.

Treatment of Charcot Joints

The hallmark of treatment of Charcot joints is early diagnosis and prevention. The signs and findings of Charcot joints vary so that each case requires careful evaluation. Treatment ofCharcot joints of the feet may include rest, casting and also non-weight bearing to allow adequate time for fracture healing. Total contact casting or the use of a Charcot Restraint OrthoticWalker (CROW) are usually popular in stages one and two. The goal is to limit weight bearing to enable progression in order to stage three. This kind of progression can take from many weeks around 6 months. Electrical stimulation, or bone arousal, is a popular adjunct to be able to non-weight bearing or throwing.

Surgical procedures for Charcot joints are often challenging not only due to the complexity of this condition but also due to the fact that these patients are usually weak surgical applicants due to other health problems (co-morbidity). Surgical procedure may include reconstruction of the arch and/or joint fusion. Frequently, surgical procedures are used to return the foot to a shape that can be accommodated by normal feet wear. Stage threeCharcot deformities often result in piles, bump and also unusually shaped feet because of bone tissue changes. Reshaping the foot may be used to remove a boney prominence on the top or bottom of the foot.

Nomenclature: reflex vasodilitation - increased flow of blood to an area in response to inflammation

Rocker bottom foot - a prominence in which forms on the sole or bottom of the foot as a result of the collapse with the arch

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Symptoms:

The symptoms of Charcot joints vary considering the location and severity of the situation. The sign is localized edema swelling) of the joint or joint parts. The actual edematous area may exhibit increased temperature change. Often, the first noticeable sign in which a patient with advanced peripheral neuropathy will notice is the fact that their shoes have become stronger or they have difficulty fitting into a pair of shoes that have fit well for some time.

The problem in diagnosing this condition is the lack of signs and symptoms that are due to peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy makes it impossible for the patient to be able to speak in terms that would be understood by the general population such as 'my ft hurt'. As a result, the physician needs to rely more on testing and less on the history and physical test.

About the Author:Jeffrey a

Oster, DPM, C.Ped is a board certified foot and ankle surgeon. Dr. Oster can also be board certified in pedorthics. Medical professional. Oster is medical director of Myfootshop.com and is in active practice in Granville, Ohio.